25 Questions
What was one source of inspiration for America's political ideas?
The rule of law
What was the significance of the Magna Carta in influencing America's political ideas?
It made the ruler subject to any law
How did the English Bill of Rights impact America's political ideas?
It prohibited the king or queen from changing laws without Parliament’s consent
What did Baron de Montesquieu argue as the only way to achieve liberty?
Separation of governmental powers
Which historical document declared the supremacy of Parliament and influenced America's political ideas?
The English Bill of Rights
Which event led to the colonies' first written Constitution?
The people of Connecticut drawing it in 1639
What was the primary reason for Maryland's refusal to ratify the Articles of Confederation?
Issues related to the claim of Western lands
Which power of Congress under the Articles of Confederation led to disputes among the states?
The ability to settle conflicts among the states
What assurance did Thomas Jefferson provide to Maryland to persuade them to ratify the Articles of Confederation?
A guarantee that western lands would be converted into new states
Why did the government under the Articles of Confederation lack a president or a national court system?
A deliberate decision to limit the power of the government
What was a significant obstacle in the ratification process of the Articles of Confederation?
Delays caused by disputes over Western land claims
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To declare beliefs on which the government should be based
Which state's constitution of 1780 is the oldest still in effect?
Massachusetts
What did the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom declare?
Rights of individuals to religious freedom
What was the impact of expanded suffrage in some states?
It allowed all citizens to vote regardless of race and gender
What was the main role of the Committee of thirteen appointed by the Continental Congress?
To discuss and draft the Articles of Confederation
What was the purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785?
To establish a system for surveying and dividing the western lands
What was the role of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
To create a system for bringing new states into the union
What were the two main focus of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
Protection of civil liberty and provision of public education
How did the United States government address the issue of protecting its citizens after disbanding the Continental Army?
By forcing states to provide troops or resources for an army
What was the impact of Britain closing its ports to American ships after the Treaty of Paris?
It led to the closure of markets in the British West Indies affecting the U.S. economy.
Why did Congress face challenges in regulating interstate commerce during that time?
States had different laws or rules that made trade extremely difficult for merchants.
Why were state leaders criticizing the national government in relation to the agreement with Spain over the lower Mississippi River?
They believed that a stronger U.S. army would have led to a different deal with Spain.
What role did the lack of power to establish tariffs have on Congress's ability to address trading issues with Britain?
It resulted in unequal trade and negative economic progress.
How did high British tariffs and the closure of markets in the British West Indies affect American traders?
They had to pay high tariffs and were unable to export goods to Britain.
Test your knowledge of the events leading to American independence and the formation of a new government, including the inspiration drawn from the rule of law and British documents such as the Magna Carta and The English Bill of Rights.
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